Onan Marquis Gold 5500 Gen Problem

[Mochisme]

Ok, I have searched with all the words I can think of and read post after post for the last hour and a half and have not found an answer to my problem, so I started this thread.

I have the Gen Set listed in the thread title and having read over the last few days that I should run and load the generator for one to two hours every month. So I went out this afternoon to fire my Generator up and run the two A/C Units, even though it is 55 degrees at its warmest today here.

I checked the Manual, watch a Good Sam's Club Video on Generator Maintenance and felt I was good to go (hey I have ran this generator a number of times no problem). I attempted to start from inside the coach so after it warmed up I could cool down by starting the A/C Units. Well the run light did not come on and the combination of my poor hearing and the quiet running of this Generator I did not know what was happening.

So I went outside, opened the cover and attempted to start at the Generator. Because this is a Gas Generator I pressed the Stop/Prime for a couple seconds and could hear the fuel pump (I think) working, so I pressed Start and it sounded like the starter was trying to engage, but was not. It was a strong clicking sound like the starter not engaging the teeth on the flywheel and as far as I could tell the Generator was not turning over at all.

There was then a flashing error code (Three Flashes) that the only information I have been able to find is it is a "Service Fault", but what the heck is a "service fault"? I can find no explanation and I really do not wish to spend more money with a repair shop if it is something I can take care of myself.

So I am calling for HELP from the best technicians in the land "IRV2.COM" members...

[crah]

On my diesel onan after the fault code appears with 3 flashes, then you hit the stop button and it will give you a second set of flashing codes. That will tell you the real fault code to refer.

[sc3283]

Dead cranking battery??

[Mochisme]

Thanks Crah, I will give that a try and see, but nothing in my manuals mention that.

sc3283, all my batteries are fully charged. It is not a clicking like a low battery, it sounds like the starter is spining, but not engaging the flywheel.

[ga traveler]

I would start the MH engine and let it run for three or four minutes and then try to start the generator. If it still will not start. get a multimeter and red the voltage at the starter, while you are cranking the generator. It sounds like a voltage problem, but could be in the starter.

[FDchief]

My Onan starts from the house batteries. As oyhers have said, start your coach and let it run for a while. You might be surprised. How about fuel level; at least half a tank?

[mikron]

I don't think your AC will come on if only 55 out. As I know of the AC units they are set to sense the outside temp so they don't freeze up if not hot outside not the inside.

[Mochisme]

Thanks much for all the suggestions and questions. They all helped a great deal.

1. Gas tank is full, I never park it at home without filling first.

2. Battries both coach and house showed fully charged.

3. I went out this afternoon and started the coach and let it run for 3 or 4 minutes, then tried starting the Generator. Walla!!!! The generator fired up. I am guessing low voltage or something as when it cranked up it sounded totally different then it did yesterday when I was trying to start it up.

4. Even with 55 degree outside Temp, both A/C units fired right up and cooled things down inside the coach.

5. I even cooked my dinner in the microwave while running the generator with A/C's for the min half hour with load.

So I am good to go for now and can move on to the next project, repairing a window blind in the bedroom.